In the Spotlight: CN Tower

Toronto’s most famous landmark is more than just an engineering wonder – it’s also an award-winning dining and entertainment destination. Standing at 553 metres (1,815 feet) the CN Tower held the distinction of being the tallest free-standing structure in the world until the completion of Burj Khalifa in 2010. Today it is one of Toronto’s most popular attractions for tourists and locals alike and on June 26, 2016 it turned 40! ShareThis

A Landmark and Wonder

Take the glass-fronted and glass-floored elevator up to the SkyPod for fantastic views of the city. On clear days you can see over 160 kilometres and across the lake to Niagara Falls and Rochester, New York. Dine at one of the tower’s three restaurants, including the award-winning rotating 360 Restaurant. Walk, sit, stand, lie down or even jump on the Glass Floor (it won’t break). Or test the limits of your nerves with the hands-free EdgeWalk encircling the top of the Tower’s main pod.

World-Class Dining

The CN Tower provides not just one, but three options for market-fresh fine dining.

On the LookOut Level, Horizons offers more upscale bistro-style food paired with spectacular views of the city. The menu at Horizons changes twice a year for summer and winter, but in any season you’re guaranteed to get delicious market-fresh fare.

Arguably the most unforgettable dining experience in Toronto can be had at 360 Restaurant. Here, the dining room revolves while you eat so you get to see the city from every angle. Gourmet food prepared with regional ingredients includes vegetarian and seafood options, as well as both prix fixe and à la carte offerings. 360 also boasts the world’s highest wine cellar, featuring an award-winning selection of over 550 international and Canadian wines.

The recipient of several awards, 360 welcomes groups, parties, and associations, and is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 416-362-5411.

Gravity-Defying Thrills

In 2011 the CN Tower opened the EdgeWalk – the first attraction of its kind in North America. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to feel the open air 356 metres (1168 feet) above Toronto, the EdgeWalk is for you.

The world’s highest full circle hands-free walk takes place on a 1.5 metre (5 foot) ledge encircling the top of the CN Tower’s main pod. In groups of six, visitors walk around the pod while attached to an overhead rail by a secure harness. A trained EdgeWalk guide leads the tour, which runs for approximately 1.5 hours (the outside portion lasts approximately half an hour). During the walk, you will have the opportunity to lean back over the city with nothing but open air between you and the ground – an unforgettable photo op to share with your friends once you get back to Earth!

Tickets for the EdgeWalk include a keepsake video, printed photos and certificate of achievement. Ticketholders also get access to LookOut, Glass Floor, SkyPod, and the Movie and Motion Theatre Ride. All this, plus lifelong bragging rights and a truly unforgettable experience!

Shopping and Entertainment

For those without the budget or the stomach for EdgeWalk, the CN Tower provides many more options for entertainment. Snap a picture on the Glass Floor – 256 square feet of solid glass that provides a view 1,122 feet straight down. Afterwards feel the breeze on the Outdoor SkyTerrace, or take the special SkyPod elevator to soar another 33 storeys up for an unobstructed 360 degree bird’s eye view of the city.

Back on the ground, immerse yourself in The Red Rocket – a 14-minute film that celebrates Toronto’s historic streetcars while propelling audiences on a journey through the heart of the city. Or, take your kids to the CN Tower KidZone, featuring a variety of activities for children 8 and under.

Don’t forget to drop by the Gift Shop on your way out. The 8,000 square-foot store provides one of Toronto’s most unique shopping experiences. Memorabilia such as First Nations arts and crafts, Canadiana, and miniature CN Tower replicas are perfect souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Fun Facts About the CN Tower

Did you know?

The CN Tower was classified as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1995.

The Tower took 40 months to build and cost $63 million.

The 360 restaurant takes 72 minutes to complete one full revolution.

The Tower weighs 117,910 metric tonnes, or the equivalent of 16,844 large male elephants.

The Tower’s intelligent LED light system changes colour depending on occasion or season.

At 553 metres, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the western hemisphere.